A simple and concise procedure for the synthesis of 2,2-dichloro-3-oxo-N-phenylbutanamides, via palladium-catalyzed C(sp(3))-H dichlorination of 3-oxo-N-phenylbutanamides, is described. The protocol provides a direct route to ,-dichlorinated products starting from -dicarbonyl compounds. A plausible mechanism for this transformation involving two consecutive chlorination steps is described.